Let’s be honest, what REALLY makes a salad is the dressing, and this vegan avocado green goddess dressing is THE dressing worthy of all your healthy spring salad creations. This is a fresh, light, REIMAGINED version of green goddess dressing. This recipe is full of herbs, and is oil-free and dairy-free.
What is Green Goddess Dressing?
Green Goddess Dressing originated from San Francisco in the 1920’s. As the story goes, a hotel’s chef created it to pay tribute to an actor and his play, The Green Goddess. The original recipe contained scallions, tarragon, parsley, a lot of mayonnaise and even anchovies.
This healthy green goddess dressing recipe varies quite a bit from the original recipe but its fresh, light, slightly sweet and is much healthier than the original!
Ingredients for Vegan Green Goddess Dressing
As I mentioned, this is a “reimagined” version which uses floral herbs and all natural, whole ingredients. This recipe includes:
- Avocado – Instead of mayonnaise or yogurt, this recipe uses avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
- Cilantro, basil and mint – These herbs lend the dressing some sweetness.
- Lemon juice – Lemons are a perfect complement to herbs. You always need some acid to balance out fats in dressings.
- Maple syrup or honey – Use Grade A real maple syrup or raw honey. I prefer the taste of honey in the dressing but maple syrup lends a similar level of sweetness if you are vegan.
- Garlic, shallots, salt and pepper – They add depth of flavor and bring out the taste of the herbs.
- Ice water – Instead of added oil, the water thins out the dressing. Use ice water to keep the dressing looking fresh and bright green.
Once you prep the ingredients (in about 5 minutes), the dressing comes together quickly in a food processor. Although a blender would give you a creamier consistency, I find that a food processor works better than a blender if you are making a smaller amount (this recipe yields about 1 cup).
Avocado Green Goddess Dressing Serving Suggestions
This dressing is not only great on salads, but here are a few other ideas:
- Serve it s a dip! Serve with fresh vegetables and pita.
- Spread it on a sandwich like you would hummus.
- Drizzle over roasted vegetables.
- Add it to a grain bowl! Use farro, brown rice or quinoa and combine with fresh or roasted vegetables and a protein like tofu or chickpeas.
If you try my vegan green goddess dressing, let me know in the comments! Would love to know how you used it!
Other Dressing Recipes for you to Try
Vegan Green Goddess Dressing
This is a fresh, light, REIMAGINED version of green goddess dressing made with avocado and fresh herbs. This dressing is oil-free, dairy-free and worthy of all your salad creations!
Ingredients
- 1 shallot, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 cup cilantro (mostly leaves, remove stems)
- 1/2 cup basil
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 1 avocado, pitted and cut into chunks
- 1/3 cup cold filtered water
Instructions
In a food processor or blender, combine the shallot, garlic, lemon juice, honey, cilantro, basil, mint, avocado and blend until well combined, Add in the salt and 1/3 cup of cold water and blend until smooth. If you want a thinner dressing, add additional water.
